Although the first product to break out of the high-tech stampede will be Funai's $500 Janesa computer, which ships in December, Thomson's version of the network computer is likely to have the most impact.

The largest manufacturer of color televisions in the United States trotted out an NC-based box that, when hooked up to a TV, lets consumers surf the Web, send and receive electronic mail, bank online and cyber shop from their homes. Ultimately, NCs also will let users perform word processing and other basic computing tasks.

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Like other NC entrants, the Thomson and Funai machines are less powerful than personal computers but are less costly and perform some of the same basic functions. The devices can be connected to a TV and operated using a remote control or keyboard. They also can be hooked up to a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse to create a very low-end PC.

A handful of companies, including Acorn and I.D.E., said their products already are being integrated into the networks of major businesses.

Thomson's gray rectangular device, scheduled to ship next spring for $300, is smaller than a VCR and fits on top of a television. What it lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in functionality, observers said.

"The Thomson box will help make the NC an essential part of every home-entertainment center," said Jerry Baker, chief executive of Oracle subsidiary Network Computer Inc. "It really makes NC a reality."

Indeed, Thomson officials said the set-top device could be as big a hit among consumers as its popular Digital Satellite System, which has shipped nearly 3 million units.

Under a separate deal with Compaq Computer Corp., Thomson's RCA brand will introduce early next year a combination TV/PC that combines a 36-inch RCA color-TV with a fully-loaded Compaq PC.

For now, however, the forthcoming NC devices -- all seven new brands -- highlight a momentum behind Oracle's NC standard. Since Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison dropped the bombshell a year ago about creating an inexpensive computing device with Internet access and e- mail, the company has been feverishly signing up NC licensees to make good on the hype.

Although the Redwood Shores database software company showed a prototype last year, only two NC-based devices -- from IBM Corp. and from Sun Microsystems Inc. -- had been previously announced.